Full-scale security checkpoint transition guidance at Zurich Airport
Full-scale security checkpoint transition guidance at Zurich Airport
From Vision to Implementation: How Zurich Airport defined the future of its new security checkpoints
Services provided
Operational baseline performance and floorplan assessment
Future checkpoint scenario modelling and functional design
Workshop facilitation on technology, maintenance, IT, training and CONOPS development
Invitation to Tender specification and procurement guidance
Trial program planning, coordination and monitoring
Site acceptance testing (SAT) support for trial deployment
Key results
Configuration-specific reports with concrete recommendations for final lane setups
Optimised checkpoint procedures tailored to Zurich’s operational needs
Real-world validation of theoretical capacity models
Tangible improvement points for design and software enhancements
Client reference
“Point FWD has consistently demonstrated key qualities that set them apart: a commitment to delivering precise and tailored results, the adaptability to address evolving requirements, and a responsiveness that ensures seamless collaboration and effective problem-solving throughout every phase of our Security Transition Project.”
- Roman Jung, Senior Programme Leader, Zurich Airport.
Project description
Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland’s principal international hub, is known for delivering high service levels throughout the passenger journey, including the security process. To safeguard this standard while preparing for future capacity demands and regulatory requirements, ZRH initiated a full redesign of its security checkpoint infrastructure.
ZRH set out to future-proof its security operations through the replacement of 26 security lanes across four checkpoint floors. The objective was to design and implement a fully integrated solution incorporating CT, ATRS and Security Scanners, aligned with performance, compliance and service ambitions.
Zurich Airport selected Point FWD as its independent and strategic Avsec consultancy partner to ensure the transition was rooted in data, aligned with stakeholder needs, and executable across operational, technical and regulatory domains.
Challenges
At the core of Zurich Airport’s ambition was a complex design challenge: how to create an optimal checkpoint solution that balanced standardisation and flexibility across four checkpoint floors.
Maintaining Zurich’s high service level expectations throughout the transition.
Integrating new technologies while respecting current infrastructure and space limitations.
Achieving uniformity in performance and layout principles, while accommodating ZRH KPI’s and KPM’s.
Creating a scalable, modular design supporting both daily operations and future expansion.
Aligning all stakeholders; airport departments, federal police, IT and operations, on one common functional and technical direction.
Our solution
Point FWD delivered a complete consultancy trajectory focused on designing a checkpoint system tailored to Zurich’s specific ambitions and challenges.
Establishing operational baselines
We began by establishing a baseline performance assessment, using our Checkpoint Insight Platform, floorplan studies, process observations and capacity analysis on current and future security demands.Designing the future checkpoint
Using insights from the performance study we developed a set of functional designs that covered the checkpoint operation. Layouts were defined with precise lane lengths, module types and process logic, tailored to passenger flows and infrastructure constraints. Discrete event simulations supported the projection of capacity and performance, including operator workload, queueing dynamics and staff/space efficiency.Aligning stakeholders across key domains
To ensure the solution reflected both technical feasibility and operational need, we conducted a series of targeted stakeholder workshops, including: technology exploration sessions to align on CT, ATRS and Security Scanner integration. Maintenance and support workshops to define lifecycle management needs. IT and integration workshops addressing connectivity, data infrastructure and interfaces. Training and CONOPS workshops to align procedures, roles and responsibilities within the future operational model.Supporting tender and procurement strategy
As part of our role as trusted advisor, Point FWD also provided extensive tender and procurement support. We defined operational and technical requirements, structured evaluation criteria, and co-developed RFP documentation. Our contribution ensured that bid submissions from OEMs and integrators could be objectively evaluated based on fit-for-purpose performance, integration readiness, and operational impact.Enabling and supporting trial deployment
In the second phase, Point FWD provided end-to-end support for a live trial program, including planning, stakeholder coordination, trial monitoring and data integration. We also supported deployment and site acceptance testing (SAT) for the trial lanes, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with the future solution.
About Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) is Switzerland’s largest international airport and one of Europe’s most highly regarded hubs. Known for its precision, cleanliness, and exceptional passenger experience, Zurich Airport consistently ranks among the top airports worldwide. With a strong emphasis on operational quality, sustainability, and traveller satisfaction, the airport serves as both a vital international gateway and a benchmark in airport management.
Get in touch
Curious how this could work for your airport? Let’s talk.
Robin van Gemert
Lead Consultant
Planning and Design →